Pre-Vet Programme

CAO OFFERS- A Second Chance at First-Class Medicine and Veterinary: Polish Universities Expanding Opportunities for Irish Students

Medical Poland continues to open doors for Irish students who aspire to careers in Medicine, Veterinary medicine, and other health sciences but may have missed out on places at home. Based in Tipperary, Guidance Counsellor, Conor Hayes has twice visited Medical Poland’s partner universities in Wroclaw and Bydgoszcz, Poznań and Olsztyn, and was very impressed by the world-class facilities and the supportive, student-centred environment. He has since recommended the pathway to his own students, several of whom are already studying in Poland, with others having recently graduated and returned to Ireland to begin their professional careers.

Medical Poland has already helped hundreds of Irish students embark on their studies in cities such as Wrocław, Bydgoszcz, and Poznań. Partner universities include Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, renowned for its Veterinary Medicine programme, and Collegium Medicum at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Bydgoszcz, which offers Medicine. All degrees are taught and assessed entirely in English, running in parallel with their Polish counterparts. Importantly, Medicine degrees are fully recognised by the Medical Council of Ireland and the UK’s General Medical Council, while Veterinary degrees are recognised by the Veterinary Council of Ireland and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Beyond Medicine and Veterinary, Medical Poland also represents Polish universities offering Dentistry, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy and Nursing through English, giving Irish students a wide choice of career paths. Guidance counsellors, including Conor who have travelled with Medical Poland highlight the exceptional personalised support offered, from guiding students through applications and interview preparation to practical help like airport transfers and discounted hotel accommodation. For many Irish families, this hands-on assistance makes the dream of studying medicine or veterinary abroad not just possible, but a smooth and reassuring journey.

A Tipperary Family’s Journey to Veterinary Medicine in Poland

In the scenic Glen of Aherlow, in West Tipperary, the Barlow family dedicate their days to caring for their Angus pedigree herd under the Gurtavoher prefix. Their deep-rooted passion for cattle inspired brothers Darragh and Cillian to pursue veterinary medicine, a dream shaped by the many vets who visited their farm over the years.

For parents Mariese and John, the idea of their son moving as far away as Poland initially felt daunting. “It was a huge worry to think Darragh was moving so far,” recalls Marie. “But with Medical Poland’s support, we had great peace of mind from the start. They took the pressure off us by guiding us through every stage of the application, handling forms via video calls and emails, and even creating WhatsApp groups for parents and students. That sense of togetherness and security was invaluable during what could have been a very stressful time.”

Now in his fourth year studying Veterinary Medicine at Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Darragh is thriving. “The application process was made very simple with guidance from Medical Poland and my attentive Guidance Counsellor, Conor Hayes,” he explains. “Lecturers are supportive and motivate us to do well. The course is demanding, but there’s still time for sports, societies, and a good social life. My year has around 50 students, of which 35 are Irish — and that strong Irish community even led to the creation of the Wrocław Éire Óg GAA Club.”

For younger brother Cillian, now embarking on his first year, the decision to follow in Darragh’s footsteps was clear. “Listening to my brother’s positive experience gave me confidence. There’s a large Irish presence in Wrocław, so I knew I’d settle in easily. I applied to both Olsztyn and Wrocław through Medical Poland, and the support I received, from mock interviews with feedback to revision materials, really prepared me. I also liked that there’s no requirement for a third language; you can focus fully on the science subjects that matter most.”

Together, the brothers’ story shows the difference having informed Guidance in schools and the support of an organisation like Medical Poland can make, removing stress from the application process, providing reassurance to families, and helping Irish students find their path in world-class Polish universities, where English-taught, EU-recognised degrees open the door to professional careers back home.

Opening Doors for Ireland’s Future Healthcare Professionals

The experience of the Barlow family from Tipperary is echoed by many other Irish families who have found reassurance, support, and opportunity through Medical Poland. With hundreds of Irish students already thriving in Medicine, Veterinary, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, and Physiotherapy programmes in cities such as Wrocław, Bydgoszcz, Olsztyn and Poznań, Poland has become a trusted destination for those who missed out on places at home but remain determined to follow their vocation.

All degrees are fully taught and assessed in English, delivered to EU standards, and recognised by the Medical Council of Ireland, the Veterinary Council of Ireland, and other European professional bodies. Coupled with affordable tuition, lower living costs, and the strength of an established Irish student community, Poland offers a clear, practical, and inspiring route into medical and health science careers.

Medical Poland’s dedicated team continues to guide students and families step by step from the initial application, through interview preparation, to settling into life abroad, ensuring every student has the chance to realise their dream.

For more information and late application support, visit:
👉https://medicalpoland.ie

Contact: 

Conor Hayes phone no. 0 87 413 8617 Email: conorhayes08@gmail.com
(Guidance Counsellor at The Abbey School in Tipperary Town,  currently seconded to the Department of Education’s Support Service for Teachers and School Leaders).

Adam Krawczyk, phone no. 0 87 478 29 49  adam@medicalpoland.ie - (Founder & CEO & Education Expert Medical Poland since 2013)